SoCal bottom paint

[drgamble]

For any SoCal sailors.... what bottom paint have you found to be best for the area? Moving the boat to Marina del Rey and am looking for any recommendations.

[windward54]

I've always had good luck with Pettit Trinidad.

Welcome to SoCal!

[casioqv]

Originally Posted by windward54

I've always had good luck with Pettit Trinidad.

I have the same question- but are there any that aren't banned in California, and don't cost $250/gallon?

[flatracker]

I have always used Trinidad, and normally get three years out of it on the gulf coast. Last bottom job was less than two years ago, and this time the Trinidad just didn't do the job. Marina mgr. says their quality control is busted. Have been seriously thinking bout Super Ship Bottom. Is an ablative, and the guy who I talked to there, sounded like a straight shooter, and told me that two coats should last three years in this area. Of course that is somewhat expected. But the price is about half that of Trinidad. Marina I use swears by Mar Pro. It, like Super Ship Bottom, is an ablative, and is also about half the price of Trinidad. Of course you may not be able to use anything that has any copper in it at all, seeing as you are on the left coast.

[SJ34]

Pettit Trinidad is excellent paint and legal in CA. Most people are claiming 4 years before repaint with it. It's expensive so I went with Blue Water 45 Hard Epoxy.

The paint's been on for about a year and still only needs light brushing to remove the slime. I even cancelled my monthly cleaning service and call them out as needed. The 66 Hard Epoxy is probably better paint but I am planning on hauling again soon anyway and didn't want to have to sand off expensive paint. My plan is to scuff with 80g and go over with two coats of the 66 Hard this fall. The 45 was around $75/gallon with there online specials. I think the 65 was around $150.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by flatracker

Marina mgr. says their quality control is busted

Your marina manager doesn't know what he's talking about.

Originally Posted by flatracker

Of course you may not be able to use anything that has any copper in it at all, seeing as you are on the left coast.

YOU don't know what you are talking about.

[SJ34]

Jamestown Dist. is selling BlueWater paint now so you can't buy direct anymore. Found my old invoice and I paid $66/gal for it. I also can't find the 66% cuprous oxide epoxy. Discontinued?

Will probably use Trinidad next if I can't find the higher copper Blue Water paint.

BTW, I'm in SoCal.

[drgamble]

Thanks for the replies - Pettit Trinidad it is; boat is getting pulled out in a few weeks for the bottom job.

FastBottoms or others, what would be a good recommended bottom scrubbing schedule in MdR? Initially I'll be flying out there and getting about 6-10 days of sailing in per month and there will be periods where she'll sit at berth for a few weeks at a time.

[windward54]

I get mine done once a month. I seem to get a lot of growth in my area, and this keeps the bottom clean. Also helps keep an eye on the zincs.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by drgamble

FastBottoms or others, what would be a good recommended bottom scrubbing schedule in MdR?

Originally Posted by windward54

I get mine done once a month.

+1
I think monthly cleanings are the norm in the L.A./Orange County region.

When looking for a dive service, try to find a member of the California Professional Divers Association. Their divers are in-water hull cleaning Best Management Practices-certified and have the knowledge to not only help your boat perform better but make your anti fouling paint last longer as well.

California Professional Divers Association